Pilates exercises focus on posture, strength, and flexibility. All three of these components are important for any good dancer. The regular use of Pilates will result in the following positive benefits:

• Strengthening of the upper body. This will enhance a dancer's balance, alignment of body parts and core stability.
• Better posture while static or turning as well as other spinal muscle alignments.
• Pilates exercises are also beneficial for the lower body parts such as the ankles and feet, which play a key role in any form of dance.

The body is an instrument that can wear out easily if it is not treated properly and if put under continuous stress and pressure to perform. Dancing is a very stressful activity for the body and Pilates helps to bring discipline, easier control and coordination to the body, while at the same time increasing muscle strength and also helping with relaxation.

Pilates can work on isolated muscles groups (like the shoulders) or on complex muscle groups (both the abdomen and back). Different exercises work on different muscles in the body and help to restore and rebuild muscle tissue that has broken down due to stress.

I would recommend Pilates to anybody who is looking for a fun, non high-impact way to exercise. Pilates also helps to tone and lose centimetres. All ages of people can do Pilates, including children, post and pre-pregnancy mothers, athletes, dancers etc. Pilates is also highly recommended for anyone with back problems and sports injuries.

This article was written by Laura-May Louw of “Pilates In Motion” Studio in Durban. She is a certified BASI Pilates Instructor and has been teaching since 2007. You may contact her on 082 443 4533 or email: